Here's what to do, what to know, and where to start.
The energy on campus this time of year is different. Recruiting season is ramping up, career fairs are getting announced, and the students who move early are the ones with offers in hand before winter break. Whether you're chasing an internship, locking in your first full-time role, or just getting your materials in order, now is the moment to get intentional.
We've put together your back-to-school priority list below. Bookmark it. Check things off. And if you have questions along the way, SEAS Career Services is here all semester.
Priority 1: Get Your Resume and Cover Letter Recruiter-Ready
Before you apply to anything, your materials need to be able to speak for you when you're not in the room.
What Your Resume Needs Before You Submit It Anywhere
- One page, unless you have extensive research or publication history
- Quantified bullet points (projects, labs, leadership) that show impact, not just tasks, think "reduced" "built" "improved" "led," backed by a number where possible
- A technical skills section that's honest and specific, no listing a language you touched once in a homework assignment
- Zero typos, zero inconsistent formatting, zero generic objective statements
- A version tailored to the type of role you're applying to, not one resume for every application
What Your Cover Letter Needs
- A first line that isn't "I am writing to apply for..."
- One to two specific reasons you want this role at this company, not a generic paragraph that could apply anywhere
- A close that's confident, not apologetic
- Look up SEAS resources: Cover Letter Guide.pdf
What We Offer
- One-on-one resume reviews, tailored to your major and target roles
- Cover letter guidance, so you're not starting from a blank page every time
- Templates and guides built specifically for SEAS students and engineering-adjacent fields
- Feedback on how to translate coursework and projects into language recruiters actually respond to
How to Book:
Appointments fill up fast once recruiting season kicks into gear, so don't wait until the week before a deadline. Book through Handshake now and get ahead of the rush.
Come in with a draft. Leave with a resume that passes the bots.
Priority 2: Know What Season You're In
Recruiting season isn't one moment, it's a stretch, and different opportunities open and close at different times.
Internships
Internship recruiting for next summer often starts earlier than students expect, especially for competitive programs. If you're a rising junior or senior, and for graduate students, this is the window to start applying, not next spring.
Full-Time Roles
If you're graduating this year, full-time recruiting is active right now for many industries. Don't assume you have until spring, some of the strongest offers go out in the fall.
Career Fair
Mark your calendar. The career fair is one of the highest-leverage days of the semester, employers are there specifically to meet SEAS students. Here's what "ready" actually looks like:
- 10-15 printed resumes, on quality paper, no smudged ink
- A 30-second pitch you can say without thinking: who you are, what you study, what you're looking for, why it matters to them
- A short list of target employers, researched in advance, with one specific question prepared for each (not "what does your company do")
- Professional dress, appropriate for the industry you're targeting
- A notebook or your phone ready to jot down names and follow-up details on the spot
- Business cards or a way to share your LinkedIn/resume digitally, if you have one
The 24 Hours After
This is the step most students skip. Send a short follow-up email or LinkedIn connection request to anyone you had a real conversation with, ideally within a day. Mention something specific you talked about. This is what turns a five-minute conversation into an actual lead.
Priority 3: Network Like It's Part of the Job (Because It Is)
Here's the truth: most opportunities don't come from a job board. They come from people. Building your network now, before you need it, is one of the highest-return things you can do this semester.
Professional Associations and Conferences
Many engineering and technical fields have professional associations that host networking events, panels, and conferences throughout the year, some specifically for students. These are places to meet people already working in the field you want to break into, not just other students competing for the same roles.
Keep an eye out for conferences in your discipline. Attending even one can put you in a room with people who are hiring, mentoring, or connecting.
Student Organizations
Don't overlook what's already on campus. Many SEAS student organizations run their own networking events, employer info sessions, and alumni panels, and they're often easier to access than external conferences.
Check your program guide for a full list of relevant student organizations in your field. If you haven't looked at it yet, this is the semester to start.
What "Being Ready to Network" Actually Means
- A LinkedIn profile that's current, with a professional photo and a headline that says more than your job title
- An elevator pitch you can adjust on the fly, thirty seconds, no rambling
- Two or three thoughtful questions ready for any employer or alum conversation, about their path, their team, or what they look for in candidates, not questions you could Google
- A simple system for tracking who you meet, what you talked about, and whether you followed up
Pro Tip: Networking doesn't have to mean cold-emailing strangers. It can mean showing up to one event a month, asking good questions, and following up. Consistency beats intensity here.
Your Semester at a Glance
- Book a resume or cover letter appointment through Handshake
- Mark the career fair on your calendar and start researching employers
- Apply to internships or full-time roles now, don't wait for the "right" moment
- Find one professional association or conference in your field to keep an eye on
- Check your program guide for relevant student organizations and get involved
- Check out our resume, cover letter, and networking guides to get started
Recruiting season moves fast. The students who start now are the ones with offers by winter break.
Let's make this semester count.
Questions? We're here.
Visit SEAS Career Services on Handshake or connect with us to get started.